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Topic Review (Newest First)

08-01-2011 05:04 PM

hellosailor

The problme with bleach is that it breaks things down, not just stains but the sailcloth, stitching, any coating that is bonded to the sail.

Assuming this is a typical dacron cruising sail, not a laminate or an exotic? I'd try soaking and scrubbing (scrub brushes simply work better!) with OxiClean or a similar "oxygen bleach" instead of chlorine bleach. If that doesn't work, use a laundry detergent or laundry stain cleaner that boasts it has enzymes to dissolve grass stains. Grass and mold both being plant matter.

If that doesn't work then you're back to the chlorine bleach, keep an eye on it and don't overcook it.

Sailcare is a good idea if you don't mind the shipping & lost use time. IIRC they can also recoat the sail which also helps stabilize shape & keep it clean.

07-30-2011 09:17 AM

jimrafford

I use a solution I found in pratical sailor. I don't remember the exact formula but you can look it up. I lay the sails out in the drive on some shrink wrap and spray the sails down w/ a back pack sprayer and then give them a soft scrubing. Even removes the mildew stains.
Jim

07-29-2011 11:39 PM

Sabreman

Send the sail to sailcare. It will come back looking new. While the sail shape will remain the same, it will stabilize the sail. Good people; I've used them several times.

sailcare.com

07-29-2011 08:20 PM

snowdawg

One of the DIY Sailing maintance books I got with my boat suggests lemon juice. Put the sail in a garbage bag fill with water and add lemon juice. haven't tried it but I'll pass it along.

I use a weak solution of laundry bleach, luckily my Genoa just about fits into the bath.
Soaking overnight seem to work for me, then a good rinse.
Safe sailing

07-28-2011 11:47 PM

Sublime

Green sail-how to clean it?

It's a freshwater boat, if that matters. The PO (my dad) didn't have a sunbrella edge on the roller furler jib sail. I fixed that and a loft has gone over the sail, fixed a few things and all is well.
Except for the algae stain on it.
The loft recommended woolite and a soft brush. Since that didn't work...any ideas?